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than sufficient for his legitimate children. Another reason in that why John might wish to be rid of Geoffrey. Because Geoffrey was illegitimate, Salisbury was not his son's heir. The property would revert to the crown if Geoffrey died. |
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"All jesting aside," Ian said after his thoughts had run their course, "I begin to agree with you. But distance will not mend matters if Salisbury does not mend his ways." |
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"You may leave that to me," Alinor suggested. "And do not fear. I will say nothing of the king." She paused, studying Ian's face. ''My lord, my love, what troubles you?" she asked after a moment. |
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"A curse on this life and on him who makes it impossible for me to taste a moment's joy without tears to follow," Ian said bitterly. "I have found you only to lose you again." |
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"How lose me?" Alinor asked fearfully. |
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"Perhaps lose is too strong a word," Ian corrected himself, "but I am tired of sweet letters instead of a sweet woman abed." |
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"But I am going with you!" she exclaimed. "And do not begin to argue with me about taking a woman to a land all at war. Isobel will be going to William. I can stay with her. We can all even go together. If you do not take me, Ian, I will follow youand that will be more dangerous to me. In this, I will not obey you." |
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"I thought you feared Ireland." |
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"I do, but not for myself. I told you that before. I swear I am not a witch, Ian. I do not have foreseeings, but when I think of you alone going to Ireland, such a black terror comes over me as I cannot describe. Yet when I think we will go togetherthat is different." |
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"Is it, Alinor?" He studied her face, which was lifted to him, and the eyes were clear, the complexion healthy. "And Adam and Joanna?" he asked. |
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Then she paled. "Not the children! You and Ithat |
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